Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by challenges in keeping concentration, impulsivity, and restlessness. It is a childhood condition that starts in early childhood and can impact several aspects of life such as home, school, work, and social settings. People with ADHD face impulsivity and inattention e.g., being easily distracted and struggling to follow instructions. Hyperactivity involves inappropriate and excessive motor activity, such as fidgeting, tapping, running, and excessive talking.  

Some people may exhibit symptoms of inattention while others may display hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a childhood condition that can persist into adulthood and throughout a lifetime.  

 

How Hyperactivity and Impulsivity Show Up

Repeatedly leaving the seats in situations when being seated is required

Tapping hands or feet and moving chairs when being seated

Excessive talking and struggle to turn the conversation

Children engage in climbing or sudden running in places

Problems while playing and difficulty in activities while playing with other children

Impulsivity such as quickly answering questions before they are fully asked

Taking others' things without permission and interrupting other's activities or talking

Impulsive actions such as rushing into situations without proper planning

Adults with ADHD

Adults with ADHD may face restlessness and an inability to stay focused. Impulsive behaviors, such as actions occur without planning, and a desire for immediate rewards. The behavior of interruption during social gatherings may also occur. They make decisions without considering long-term consequences, such as accepting any job offer without understanding the job descriptions.   

Impact of Hyperactivity and Impulsivity on Development

Hyperactivity and impulsivity can also be associated with delays in motor skills, language development, and social development and they display emotional instability. Intense emotional reactions can occur such as suddenly becoming angry, ignoring listening, being easily frustrated, and exhibiting emotional reactivity. These behaviors can negatively affect a person's academic or work performance without learning disorders. People with ADHD may also display deficits in neurocognitive domains such as working memory, response inhibition, delay in responses, attention, and planning difficulties.  

What Can Increase the Risk of ADHD?

Various factors that can be associated with ADHD, are mentioned.

The Impact of Emotional and Behavioral Inhibition

ADHD may associated with behavioral inhibition and negative emotionality contributes to problems in temperamental aspects. Children's suppressive behavior and restricting expressions can negatively impact functional abilities.   

Understanding Environmental Influences

Environmental factors such as low birth weight can be involved in enhancing the risk of developing ADHD. Another factor, exposure to smoking during pregnancy can be associated with the development of ADHD.

The Impact of Genetic Factors

Genetic factors, having a previous family history may contribute to the development of ADHD. If someone has a family history of ADHD, they are more likely to develop it.  

It is necessary to note that these factors can raise the risks and not all of these factors can lead to the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Understanding the risk factors can contribute to the management; however, it is necessary to consult with mental health professionals for diagnosis and management. Early diagnosis and addressing challenges and risk factors are crucial in management, reducing the intensity of symptoms, and enhancing effective engagement in various aspects of life.

How to Manage Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder

The management can be involved in various therapeutic approaches:  

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy consists of providing support for parents of children with ADHD and training for educators. It contributes to adopting behavioral management techniques that aim to reinforce the desired behavior in children. Techniques such as rewarding a child for sitting longer time can help control impulsive behavior. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a therapy that focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and behaviors. It can be helpful with ADHD in developing coping strategies and managing distractions, impulsivity, and challenges associated with ADHD. CBT helps in improving overall functioning by targeting the cognition and behavior linked with ADHD.  

Parent Training

Parent training is crucial in the management of ADHD as it is helpful for parents providing support to children. These programs contribute to enhancing the parent-child interaction through play, stories, and other educational approaches. It is crucial for parents to build a structured routine, managing distractions, helping with the school work to provide a supportive environment.

Social Skill Training

Social skills training emphasizes teaching children and adults with ADHD how to communicate and interact effectively in the social environment. It teaches the skills to manage impulsive and hyperactive behavior in social situations.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle modifications can help manage ADHD symptoms by establishing a daily structured routine. Physical activity e.g., engaging in regular exercise can help in reducing hyperactivity. Sleep hygiene is also a crucial step as ADHD is often associated with sleep disturbances, establishing a sleep schedule can be helpful in managing the symptoms.

Summing It Up

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood and affects a child's daily functioning. It is marked by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which affect functioning. The management can be incorporated by behavioral therapies, lifestyle changes, and parents-educators support. It is crucial to consult with mental health professionals for the diagnosis and management. Addressing the child's needs and providing support can contribute to improving the overall functioning and lead to a fulfilling life.